Ready to revitalize - Group director wants to help downtown recover from decline

Del Velasquez is bringing a wealth of experience back to his hometown as the executive director of Downtown San Angelo Inc. “I knew I would have an encore career, but I was thinking about being a teacher,” said Velasquez, who returned to San Angelo to be near his parents.

Every morning, Del V. Velasquez gets up a half-hour before his 6 a.m. conference call.

The call isn't work-related, though. It's for a Bible study group he started with four other men in Washington, D.C., more than two years ago.

"It's the most important part of the day," Velasquez said.

Members of the motley crew — comprising a former congressman, a security guard, an educator, a salesman and Velasquez — encouraged him to start his endeavor as the executive director of Downtown San Angelo Inc.

Velasquez became Downtown San Angelo's executive director in July, ending more than eight months of vacancy in the position. The nonprofit agency is dedicated to revitalizing the city's downtown area as a hub for business, residential and cultural activity.

It has two paid positions: the executive director and the executive assistant. The board of directors comprises 27 members and six nonvoting liaisons from local entities, and the group has more than 200 members.

Although Velasquez, 56, returned to his hometown of San Angelo in January, he's still applying the skills and discipline he learned in more than two decades in Washington, working for telecommunications companies, working for George H.W. Bush on the campaign trail in the 1970s and '80s and later prepping for the 1990 G8 economic summit in Houston.

"I knew I would have an encore career, but I was thinking about being a teacher," said Velasquez, who returned to San Angelo to retire and be near his parents.

His cousin, John Fuentes, owner of Fuentes Café in downtown San Angelo, first told him about the executive director opening.

Fuentes said because his cousin had responsibilities with corporate America, he thinks Velasquez can help Downtown San Angelo accomplish its goals.

"He doesn't have to be told what needs to be done," Fuentes said. "He won't wait for someone else to do it. He takes charge."

Velasquez has attended formal training for the position and met with the board members, so he understands everyone's objectives.

He said he sees a lot of potential downtown with the historic buildings and nearby river.

"When I was growing up, downtown San Angelo was the hub," Velasquez said. "All major commerce and department stores were here. After leaving, when I would return, the decline became apparent to me. I would love to see that vibrancy ... brought back."

Oscar C. Gomez, a mentor for Velasquez who worked with him at Verizon, said Velasquez's innovation and tenacity separate him from the crowd.

Gomez said from his home in Southlake, a suburb of Dallas, that he remembers working on a diversity marketing campaign with Velasquez.

"He came up with the theme of a tapestry — a different piece of cloth to represent the multi-cultures," Gomez said. "It was a huge success. We were recognized for that over and over."

Because of his line of work, Velasquez became involved with national civic organizations that help Hispanics, blacks, Asians and women.

"I learned from my mom to get involved with the community," Velasquez said. "Throughout my life, I've followed her example."

Velasquez's mother, Hortencia Whittle, operated San Angelo Finance Co. with her husband and Velasquez's father for a number of years. She also owned Sugar and Spice Babywear and is still active with San Angelo's Business and Professional Women.

"I used to tell him, ‘When you're going to do something, do it,' " Whittle said. "You're going to make mistakes, but you have to keep going. Keep pushing, and don't give up."